Kolkata : Famed cueist Pankaj Advani Monday said he would have never entered into a Padma Bhushan row in the way ace shuttler Saina Nehwal and boxer Vijender Singh did.
“I would never do such a thing, it is not my style. But they thought it was right to go out in the public and create a media outburst,” said Advani, who is here to participate in the National Billiards and Snooker Championship at the Bengal Rowing Club.
The 12-time World champion also said rewards were an integral part of a sportsman life, and an award which has such credibility cannot be made less important because of some athlete raising their voice against it.
“Just because some people make a hue and cry in public does not make the award less important, it has a high credibility being the third highest civilian award in India.”
“Let your performance do the talking and awards will surely come your way.”
Earlier, Saina had gone on record saying that she was sad her name was not suggested for the Padma Bhushan.
Vijender also wanted the award after he saw the media buzz that went around the shuttler’s comments.
The 24-year-old’s name was, however, sent to the ministry for the award Jan 5 after a media uproar.